Little prince to make second outing for his private christening this week

10/20/2013

REUTERS

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge pose in August with their son in Bucklebury, England, and with Tilly, left, a Middleton pet, and their cocker spaniel, Lupo.

LONDON — After arriving to a global media frenzy, Britain’s Prince George will make his second official appearance this week at a christening designed to be as low-key as possible for the world’s most-hyped baby.

Prince George, third-in-line to the British throne, will be christened Wednesday in a private, 45-minute ceremony in the Chapel Royal at St. James’ Palace by the spiritual leader of the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Prince George will become the formal head of the Church of England himself if he accedes to the throne.

Few were surprised by Prince William and his wife Kate’s decision to break with tradition and not hold the service in Buckingham Palace as is typical for royal christenings.

The royal couple, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since their 2011 wedding, have made it clear they are not sticklers for tradition and their informality has helped portray a more modern, relevant royal family.

So far the only official photographs of Prince George are family snapshots taken by Kate’s father Michael Middleton.

The christening will be the first time in more than 100 years that four generations of royals are photographed together, with a picture of Queen Elizabeth, her son and heir Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince George to be released after the event.

Although the christening will be held behind closed doors, tourists and well-wishers have flocked to St. James’ Palace in central London.

Royal officials have released few details before the christening, allowing only one photographer and one TV crew inside the palace.

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